A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between BAE Systems and the Malaysian Industry Group High Technology (MIGHT) to strengthen industrial cooperation between the UK and Malaysia.
The MOU sets a framework for cooperation on technology research and development (R&D), linking UK and Malaysian expertise to support the development of Malaysian Intellectual Property Rights and thereby taking Malaysian innovation global.
Industrial cooperation under the MOU deals with the commercialisation of indigenous Malaysian nanomaterial technologies being developed for aerospace and other industrial and consumer applications.
Using its Open Innovation model, BAE Systems and MIGHT will cooperate to identify potential partners, agree joint areas of interest and undertake an initial R&D programme with a focus on Green Technologies, such as Hybrid and Energy Management. BAE Systems will engage its Advanced Technology Centre and MIGHT will coordinate Malaysian academia and industry.
The second part of the MOU relates to two specific projects using the Advanced Technology Centre, the first to undertake an evaluation of Malaysian technologies including Maerogel, a type of aerogel made from disused rice husks and Carbon Nanotubes that improve the properties of composite structures.
“MIGHT is becoming increasingly focused on developing this kind of collaborative approach to research and development, linking the world’s leading technology companies with our local research talents at universities and emerging technology companies,” said Mohd Yusoff Sulaiman, President and CEO of MIGHT.
“BAE Systems, which recently became a member of MIGHT, has demonstrated a serious commitment to expanding its research and development footprint in the country both through ad hoc cooperation and through talks on national initiatives for industrial cooperation, particularly in aerospace,” added Yusoff.
John Brosnan, Regional Managing Director South East Asia, BAE Systems, said "Developing new technologies is a key part of the BAE Systems ethos. This MOU allows us to bring our expertise to Malaysia and to work with Malaysian industry and academia. We are keen to support the development of innovation, technology, education and skills in Malaysia and contributing to Malaysia's Economic Transformation Programme in these areas."